Title
Resolution to Rescind Previous Recommendation of Issuance of New Full-Year Class C Quota Liquor Licenses in the City of Ann Arbor to A2WINEMAN, LLC
Memorandum
Following the results of the 2020 decennial census and the return of one Class C license to Ann Arbor, the City of Ann Arbor convened a public process to issue eight new Class C licenses under the State's Class C quota system.
The Liquor License Review Committee designed and implemented a competitive application process for the eight available licenses. The process gave particular interest to applicants who intended to enhance the community with the uniqueness of their business, diversify the city's offerings, and illustrate commitment and actions related to the City's A2ZERO initiative. Following that process and the Liquor Committee's recommendation, on June 6, 2022, City Council approved a recommendation to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) for the issuance of new Class C licenses to the eight selected businesses "above all others."
In the more than three years since that recommendation, A2WINEMAN at 504 - 512 S. Main Street has failed to make substantial process towards opening and activating its liquor license. A letter was sent to A2WINEMAN on April 24, 2023 stating the City's objections regarding the status of their ongoing renovation work. A second letter was sent on June 24, 2024 reaffirming the City's continued objection. Concurrently, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission issued an Approval Order on August 1, 2023 that expired on August 1, 2025.
City staff recommend that City Council rescind their recommendation to issue this license "above all others" allowing the Council Liquor Committee to re-engage the public application process for other interested applicants to apply for the license.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed by: John Reiser, Assistant City Attorney
Sponsored by: Council Liquor License Review Committee
Body
Whereas, Following the ...
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